Audio-Technica AT4081 Datasheet

AT4081

Bidirectional Ribbon Microphone

Features

• Smooth, warm and natural sound with precise, articulate detail to meet the critical requirements of today’s recording, broadcast and sound reinforcement professionals

• Groundbreaking Audio-Technica ribbon design with 18 patents pending

• Proprietary MicroLinear™ ribbon imprint for superior durability and freedom from lateral exing and distortion

• Innovative dual ribbon construction for increased sensitivity

• Extremely powerful N50 rare-earth neodymium magnets for high output level

• Ultra-ne mesh helps protect against ribbon damage from wind and plosives

• Classic bidirectional (gure-of-eight) polar pattern picks up sounds equally from the front and back of the element

• High-SPL capability for exceptionally versatile performance

• Extended frequency response for natural audio reproduction

• Handmade production – including ribbon corrugation, imprint and assembly

• Low-prole stick design maximizes placement options

• Phantom-powered active electronics provide stable impedance and higher output for maximum compatibility with microphone preampliers

40 series microphones

with microphone preampliers.

The bidirectional polar pattern of the microphone makes it equally sensitive to sounds originating in front and back of the element.

The output of the microphone is a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.

The microphone is enclosed in a rugged housing. The included AT8471 isolation clamp provides superior isolation and permits mounting on any microphone stand with 5/8"-27 threads. A windscreen, a storage sleeve and a protective carrying case are also included.

Operation & Maintenance

The AT4081 requires 48V phantom power for operation.

Output is low impedance (Lo-Z) balanced. The signal appears across Pins 2 and 3; Pin 1 is ground (shield). Output phase is “Pin 2 hot” – positive acoustic pressure produces positive voltage at Pin 2.

To avoid phase cancellation and poor sound, all mic cables must be wired consistently: Pin 1-to-Pin 1, etc.

An Audio-Technica emblem is on the front of the microphone. Position this side of the microphone toward the sound source.

While Audio-Technica ribbon microphones are designed for superior durability, we recommend the following precautions when dealing with ribbon microphones: do not blow directly into the ribbon assembly; use the supplied windscreen for up-close vocal use.

Note: Do not discard the translucent plastic storage sleeve. The sleeve is provided to protect the microphone during transportation and storage. When the microphone is not in use, replace the sleeve by sliding it down over the top of the microphone to cover the ribbon element assembly.

Take care to keep foreign particles from entering the windscreen. An accumulation of foreign material in the ribbon structure and/or the windscreen’s mesh surface, can degrade performance. Avoid leaving the microphone in the open sun or in areas where temperatures exceed 110° F (43° C) for extended periods. Extremely high humidity should also be avoided.

Description

The AT4081 is a side-address ribbon microphone with a bidirectional polar pattern. Delivering the warmth and natural sound of a classic ribbon microphone, the AT4081offers a robust build for long-lasting performance and high gain for easy use with microphone preampliers.

With 18 patents pending, Audio-Technica’s innovative ribbon transducer advances the evolution of ribbon microphone technology, combining remarkable durability and high-SPL capability with smooth, rich audio quality. The microphone is recommended for horns, strings, acoustic instruments, drum overheads, orchestras, ensembles and guitar cabinets. It excels in recording studios as well as in live-sound settings.

A signicant breakthrough in ribbon cartridge design, Audio-Technica’s patent-pending MicroLinear™ ribbon imprint minimizes ribbon distortion for durable performance and accurate reproduction of the sound source.

While the application of phantom power was prohibited for oldschool ribbon microphones, Audio-Technica’s AT4081 requires 48V phantom power for operation. The phantom power is used—not for the microphone’s dynamic ribbon transducer—but for its active electronics, which bring its output to near condenser microphone level. This highoutput and stable impedance make the microphone easy to integrate

Architect’s and Engineer’s Specications

The microphone shall be a ribbon microphone with a side-address stick design. It shall have a bidirectional polar pattern and a frequency response of 30 Hz to 18,000 Hz. The microphone shall operate from an external 48V DC phantom power source. It shall be capable of handling sound input levels up to 150 dB with a dynamic range of 125 dB. Nominal open-circuit output voltage shall be 7.9 mV at 1V, 1 Pascal. Output shall be low impedance balanced (100 ohms).

The output of the microphone shall be a 3-pin XLRM-type connector.

The microphone shall be 155.0 mm (6.10") long and have a body diameter of 21.0 mm (0.83"). Weight shall be 152 g (5.4 oz). The microphone shall include an isolation clamp, a windscreen, a storage sleeve and a protective carrying case.

The Audio-Technica AT4081 is specied.

Specications

Element

Polar pattern

Frequency response

Open circuit sensitivity

Impedance

Maximum input sound level

Noise

Dynamic range (typical)

Signal-to-noise ratio1

Phantom power requirements

Weight

Dimensions

Output connector

Audio-Technica case style

Accessories furnished

In the inter est of standards devel opment, A.T.U.S.

offers full details on its test me thods to other industr y

1 Pascal = 1 0 dynes/cm

Typical, A-weighted, using Audio Precision System One.

Specication s are subject to chang e without notice.

professional s on request.

= 10 microb ars = 94 dB SPL

AT4081

Ribbon Figure-of-eight 30-18,000 Hz –42 dB (7.9 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa 100 ohms 150 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.

25 dB SPL 125 dB, 1 kHz at Max SPL 69 dB, 1 kHz at 1 Pa 48 V DC, 3.0 mA typical 152 g (5.4 oz)

155.0 mm (6.10") long, 21.0 mm (0.83") maximum body diameter Integral 3-pin XLRM-type S13 AT8471 isolation clamp for 5/8"-27 threaded stands; 5/8"-27 to 3/8"-16 threaded adapter; windscreen; storage sleeve; protective carrying case

frequency response: 30– 18,000 Hz

10 dB

100

12" or more on axis

330˚

200

Frequency in Hertz

0˚

180˚

500

30˚

150˚

60˚

120˚

10k

20k

90˚

LEGEND

200 Hz

1 kHz 5 kHz 8 kHz

LEGEND

polar pattern

300˚

270˚

240˚

210˚

SCALE IS 5 DECIBELS PER DIVISION

Response in dB